Easiest PCB creation

What, something like this?

I used a single-sided PCB, which is easy to make at home. If you're patient, you need FeCl from Radio Shack, a sharpie marker, and a drill.

I'm confused - your link references a toner transfer process. Are you saying I could use either that or if I'm really patient a resist pen, etc. RadioShack has a kit but I'd hate to attempt to draw all the pads and traces by hand. An actual sharpie or are you talking about a resist pen like in the kit? Any basic toner transfer kit (with templates) you recommend? Thanks.

Michael wrote in news:462f8031$0$27090 $ snipped-for-privacy@roadrunner.com:

Using a laser type printer and certain paper types does let you do layout and transfer without having to draw all the leads by hand.

It's not bad for a circuit with 10-20 components. I've done it by hand before, several times. (Much to the detriment of the heater.)

They're one in the same. The ones in the kit are often even branded with the sharpie name.

Puckdropper

A dry-toner photocopy of output from an inkjet printer ought to work the same as a laser-printed original.

Yes, I use a toner transfer process, with the Pulsar kit (I couldn't get consistent results with a hand iron). However, I was referring to the adapter, not the process ;-)

With just a sharpie, you could try this:

• print your drill pattern on paper, and spray glue or tape it to the pcb.

• Drill the holes.

• Remove paper.

• Using the holes as a guide, draw the traces and pads with the sharpie.

• Let it dry.

• soak in FeCl to etch.

Another alternative is to tape some wide packing tape over the pcb, and cut out the traces with an xacto knife, leaving the traces covered and remove the tape where you want the copper removed. Again, only if you're patient.

One _and_ the same.

Cheers!

This sounds possible. I may give it a try. Thanks for the info.

Apostrophe Police wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@example.net:

I think it's a regional thing. I'm just using the form I'm used to.

Puckdropper

Use what ever program you want to design the foil lay out. mirror the image and print it to a laser printer. Use InkJet Photo paper and print on the glossy side. clean copper board, lay the print on it, iron on, and then apply water to release the paper from the board. The toner will remain on the board. Drop board in etching..! for double sided, when making your lay out, put in alignment holes. Pre drill these holes in the PCB first., Attach prints via the holes on both sides. iron on both sides, then remove under water. Place in etching..

It's not suggested for production use but it works for a few boards just fine. You'll want to get your hands on a can of antioxidant or some kind of protective coating for the foil after putting parts on. My self, I have access to a chemical used in wire drawing that is sprayed on the help keep the copper from corroding. I have used things like a silicone spray in the past.

I'll second the Sharpie approach for simple boards. Complete discussion and tips at:

Best regards,

Bob Masta D A Q A R T A Data AcQuisition And Real-Time Analysis

Try the RadioShack etching kit first. It comes with boards, FeCl, the Sharpie pen, drill bit, and some rubbing alcohol for cleanup. This alone will allow you to draw your circuits on the copper and dip it in the plastic container. If you then want to create more complex circuits try the laser toner transfer which is quite easy as well (though you might have to do some touch-ups before etching).